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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Truth summary
Hector MacDonald
How the Many Sides to Every Story Shape Our Reality
23 mins
Brief summary
Truth by Hector MacDonald is a non-fiction book that explores the concept of truth in today's society. It delves into how the truth is constructed in various fields, such as politics and media, and encourages the reader to question their own truths and biases.
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Truth
Summary of 8 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 8
There are often competing truths about people, events or things, all of which can be true at once.
We’re often told that we should read a variety of sources to get the full picture. The Guardian claims this, the New York Times claims that, and El Pais claims something else. It’s often the case that all of them have something true to say.
When we look closely, we often find that there are a variety of equally legitimate ways of describing a person, event or thing. For instance, one person might claim that the internet is a force for good, as it makes knowledge readily available, while someone else might claim that it's full of hatred and misinformation. Both statements are true: the internet has brought us access to a wide range of information, but it’s also swamped us with “fake news.”
Similarly, a local bookstore might describe Amazon as a disaster for its business, while a self-publishing author may think of it as a great platform to distribute her work. Indeed, the British bookstore chain Waterstones described Amazon as “a ruthless, money-making devil,” while in a survey of its members, the UK’s Society of Authors found many more respondents praising the online giant than attacking it.
And that’s just the perspective from the world of books. Amazon also produces its own television shows and movies, runs Amazon Marketplace for budding entrepreneurs and owns the grocery store chain Whole Foods. Devil or savior, it’s many things to many different people.
If we don’t acknowledge these competing truths, we can oversimplify the world. Consider US President Richard Nixon, who was a Republican. He’s almost universally maligned by those on the progressive side of politics. But he also created the Environmental Protection Agency and passed a raft of progressive legislation, such as the Endangered Species Act and the Ocean Dumping Act. Likewise, when thinking of George Bush’s legacy, we don’t often get further than the invasion of Iraq. However, over his two terms, Bush sent more financial aid to Africa than any other American president.
The truth, then, is more often plural than singular. When you hear something asserted as the truth, pause and reflect on the wider picture before passing judgment. In the next blink, we’ll find out how our judgment can be shaped by the selective truths of others.
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What is Truth about?
Truth (2018) shows us how we live in a world of competing truths, where politicians, activists, corporations and countries tell the stories they’d like us to hear. Identifying the different ways that truth can be used to mislead or inspire, Hector MacDonald draws from history and current affairs to demonstrate how we should wait to see the whole picture before deciding what is “true.”
Truth Review
Truth (2018) by Hector MacDonald is a thought-provoking exploration of the complex concept that lies at the heart of our existence. Here's why this book is a worthwhile read:
- Using compelling examples and meticulous research, it challenges our preconceived notions about truth, urging us to question the information we consume.
- Drawing on history, philosophy, and psychology, the book offers a profound understanding of truth's elusiveness, making it an enlightening and intellectually stimulating read.
- Through its engaging storytelling and insightful analysis, the book deftly navigates the murky waters of truth, providing a fresh perspective on a seemingly familiar subject.
Who should read Truth?
- Citizens wanting to navigate a world full of misinformation
- Strategic communicators in business and politics
- Journalists and bloggers looking to write the most truthful stories
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Truth FAQs
What is the main message of Truth?
The main message of Truth is to understand the power and importance of truth in our lives.
How long does it take to read Truth?
The reading time for Truth varies, but the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Truth a good book? Is it worth reading?
Truth is definitely worth reading. It provides valuable insights that will make you question your assumptions and appreciate the role of truth in our society.
Who is the author of Truth?
The author of Truth is Hector MacDonald.
What to read after Truth?
If you're wondering what to read next after Truth, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Rebel Ideas by Matthew Syed
- Collaborative Intelligence by Dawna Markova
- Deepfakes and the Infocalypse by Nina Schick
- Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell
- Read People Like a Book by Patrick King
- The 3-Minute Rule by Brant Pinvidic
- Lateral Thinking by Edward de Bono
- Transcend by Scott Barry Kaufman
- The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli
- Originals by Adam Grant